Louisville, Ky. – April 28, 2026 – Leigh Anne Burke-Shaad has been named the winner of the Louisville Sports Commission’s 16th annual Golden Ticket raffle. Gabriel Gonzalez, WHAS11 morning anchor, drew the winning ticket this morning from the backside of Churchill Downs.
“While the Golden Ticket offers an incredible year of sports, its greatest impact is felt in the opportunities it creates for young people in our community,” said Greg Fante, president and CEO of the Louisville Sports Commission. “Every ticket purchased helps us invest in youth sports programs that promote access, inclusion and lifelong healthy habits across our region.”
Burke-Shaad purchased one of just 350 raffle tickets, each priced at $100, for a chance to win the Golden Ticket grand prize. Her winnings include two tickets to each of the following premier sporting events:
- 2026 Kentucky Oaks
- 2026 Kentucky Derby
- 2026 Louisville Bats home games
- 2026 Louisville City FC or Racing Louisville FC home games (winner’s choice)
- 2026 University of Louisville or University of Kentucky regular season football and basketball home games (winner’s choice)
- 2026 University of Louisville women’s basketball home games
- 2027 Paul Hornung Award Ceremony
“I’m so excited and truly surprised, having supported the Golden Ticket for years,” said Leigh Anne Burke-Shaad. “This is such a fun way to experience all the different sports our city has to offer, and I’m really looking forward to the upcoming year.”’
The raffle was conducted by the Louisville Sports Commission. As a nonprofit organization, the Commission will direct 100 percent of proceeds from ticket sales to support its youth sports initiatives.